St. Cloud Commission Approves New Housing Development Amid Concerns

Overview: The St. Cloud Planning Commission recently approved ordinances for a new housing development project, Eden Living St. Cloud, which aims to address the city’s deficit of medium-density residential housing. The development, seeking to rezone a 2328-acre parcel from agricultural to planned unit development, will feature 216 single-family rental units with “build to rent” homes. Despite concerns raised by residents regarding home values, traffic, and occupancy control, the project received approval with conditions. Additionally, the commission discussed a voluntary annexation initiative and recommended approval of several ordinances related to the historic preservation overlay and the Land Development Code update.

St. Cloud City Council Recognizes IT Staff for Cybersecurity Recovery

Overview: The St. Cloud City Council meeting was notable for the recognition of the IT department staff who successfully restored city operations after a significant cybersecurity incident. The IT staff were awarded the June 2024 recognition of the month for their exceptional work. The staff’s dedication led to the restoration of the city’s operations within 21 days, a timeline well below the typical recovery period ranging from 30 to 180 days for municipalities. The council expressed appreciation for the city staff’s teamwork and diligence in the face of the cyber attack.

Historic St. Cloud Board Addresses Demolition and Future Construction Plans

Overview: In a recent meeting of the St. Cloud Historic Preservation Board, one notable issue discussed was the future of a historic property after unforeseen structural damage led to its partial demolition. The board addressed the next steps for the property, including necessary compliance with historic preservation standards and central business district zoning for any new construction. Additionally, the meeting touched on the departure of a board member and the importance of continuing education in historic preservation.

St. Cloud Advances Historic Preservation and Development Plans

Overview: In an effort to preserve St. Cloud’s heritage, the Planning Commission engaged in a comprehensive presentation by Aries on the historic preservation plan for the city, which included a suite of recommendations to enhance historic preservation. The plan, prepared in accordance with national standards, aims to consolidate the city’s history, promote heritage tourism, and provide a framework for long-term planning, conservation, and adaptive reuse of historic buildings.

St. Cloud City Council Approves Key Ordinances Amid Debates

Overview: In a recent session, St. Cloud City Council approved several ordinances related to land use, development procedures, traffic, and vehicles, while also addressing issues such as parking problems in subdivisions and the allocation of budget funds for city projects. The meeting saw rigorous debate over these topics, with some council members expressing concerns about the potential impacts on the community.